Slade Reservoirs

The Slade Reservoirs are twin reservoirs in the North Devon town of Ilfracombe, England.[1] They are owned by South West Water, and leased to South West Lakes Trust. While no longer used for water supply, they are used as fisheries (mainly the lower reservoir).[2] The waterworks has since been demolished, Ilfracombe's main waterworks is now Hore Down Works on the outskirts of the town. Higher and Lower Slade Reservoirs were originally impounded for potable water supply but local knowledge suggests this reservoir is no longer used (and is considered natural by the enrvioment agency). The reservoir has a 6-acre mixed fishery (carp, bream, tench, perch, roach & pike) managed by SW Lakes Trust.[3]

Lower slade reservoir
An image of the spillway to lower Slade reservoir
Water leat on the lower reservoir
A map showing the location of Slade Reservoir in Devon
A map showing the location of Slade Reservoir in Devon
Lower slade reservoir
A map showing the location of Slade Reservoir in Devon
A map showing the location of Slade Reservoir in Devon
Lower slade reservoir
A map showing the location of Slade Reservoir in Devon
A map showing the location of Slade Reservoir in Devon
Lower slade reservoir
LocationIlfracombe, North Devon, England
Coordinates51°11′25″N 04°08′22″W
TypeReservoir
Primary inflowsWest Wilder Brook
Primary outflowsWest Wilder Brook
Basin countriesEngland
Built1858
Average depth5.6 m (18 ft)

The reservoirs were built to supply water to the urban district of Ilfracombe. The reservoirs were insufficient so that Wistlandpound Reservoir was constructed. It was completed in 1956) and is now used as a fishery. Fishing here is restricted as a permit is required.

Upper Slade Reservoir
A picture of Upper Slade Reservoir
Upper reservoir
A map showing the location of Slade Reservoir in Devon
A map showing the location of Slade Reservoir in Devon
Upper Slade Reservoir
A map showing the location of Slade Reservoir in Devon
A map showing the location of Slade Reservoir in Devon
Upper Slade Reservoir
A map showing the location of Slade Reservoir in Devon
A map showing the location of Slade Reservoir in Devon
Upper Slade Reservoir
LocationIlfracombe, North Devon, England
Coordinates51°11′10″N 04°08′30″W
TypeReservoir
Primary inflowsA small stream
Primary outflowsWest Wilder Brook
Basin countriesEngland
Built1859

Upper Slade Reservoir is a twin reservoir of Lower Slade Reservoir and served the same purpose. While it may seem that the river wilder is the primary inflow, it is not the wilder intercepts the spillway between the two reservoirs A staircase has been constructed between the dam and the former railway line between Barnstaple and Ilfracombe. Fishing is allowed in this reservoir, but is strictly limited and requires a special permit.[4]

History

In 2004 Charlotte Pinkney was murdered, more than 50 searches across North Devon and West Somerset took place. About 150 million litres of water was drained from two reservoirs that where near her home for police divers to look for clues. Even the sewer network was searched.[5] No body was found.[6]

References
  1. "cde". environment.data.gov.uk. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
  2. "cde". environment.data.gov.uk. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
  3. "evidence of Eutrophication" (PDF).
  4. "SLADE UPPER RESERVOIR, NORTH DEVON (EX34 8LL)". Get outside.
  5. "Freshwater life" (PDF).
  6. Killer who murdered 16-year-old who 'spurned sexual advances' found dead in prison
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